EDITOR:
A local navy veteran said, "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would hear a boat whistle in this town again," delighted at that old familiar sound. Something has been happening right here. The whistle signals it, telling us that we are coming to life again, especially in the maritime industry and all that goes with it. There are ice breakers, even antique ones on display; various boats in drydock, for repairs, boats being built in the yards. Could it be that our maritime industry has returned?
There were whistles of every description, depending on the boat and its arrival/departure time. Some whistle sounds were longer, some were shorter, depending on which company owned it, or who was captaining it. Residents could come to know whose ore boat was leaving or coming in, by the sound of the whistle. There were foghorns to signal bad weather; sounds for wave action, etc. Not to overlook sounds of trains, ore docks, coal docks and even church bells, some of today.
The greatest signal of all is that which tells us there is action taking place in the building of boats. Jobs are being filled with local help, or whomever is willing to work. Basic Marine, for one, is contributing greatly and in the process, bringing the olden days back to life. Our harbor and waterways have become more than something to look at, for which we should be thankful and proud.
Mary Snyder
Ford River